Season 5 Episode 2: A Pregnancy For Every Body with Jen McLellan of Plus Size Birth

InCast

When Jen was pregnant in 2010, she realized that she was being treated differently because she exists in a larger body. Determined to make her plan for an unmedicated birth a reality, Jen researched and found a midwife who supported and encouraged her to pursue the birth plan she wanted. After the birth of her baby, she decided to start a blog to share her story, but soon it was clear that this was not just about her own story. She became a childbirth educator and created an evidence-based website and podcast that includes positive resources, so she could change others’ stories as well. She now also sits on a National Institutes of Health panel to give input on creating the Pregnancy for Every Body program.

Jen McLellan is a published author, founder of Plus Size Birth, and host of the Plus Mommy Podcast. She helps people navigate the world of plus size pregnancy, shares tips for embracing your body, and laughs her way through the adventures of parenthood. Her work has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Glamour, Todays Parent, Huffington Post, and International Doula. As a public speaker, Jen has spoken at numerous events including presenting at the National Institutes of Health. Jen is also a certified childbirth educator, wife, and mother to a charismatic ten-year-old.

Listen in as we explore Jen’s journey and learn important information we can use in our lives and practices every day.

Listen and Learn: 

• How to help women understand their options based on their personal health and not only their BMI
• What can be done to increase the number of size-inclusive healthcare providers available
• The difference between relative risk and actual risk when assigning a risk status
• How COVID may impact plus-size patients who may be mistreated if attending an appointment on their own and what tools can be used to prevent that
• What ideas can be implemented to create a size-friendly environment
• The shocking stats on cesarean rates based on BMI
• How important this topic is: Jen has reached 6 million page views on her website, 150 thousand downloads on her podcast

Resources & Mentions: 

Plus Size Birth Website & Blog

Plus Mommy Podcast

My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide

Size-Friendly Directory 

Pregnancy For Every Body

Health At Every Size

ARTICLE: Birth Outcomes of Women with Obesity Enrolled for Care at Freestanding Birth Centers in the United States

Related Products from InJoy: 

Understanding Birth Curriculum

Understanding Pregnancy Curriculum